Kitesurfing Sri Lanka, Kalpitiya

"The 'Secret Spot' (Vela Island) is the best place I've ever ridden by a long way! A boat ride mission through the bay or downwind with your crew and experience blow-dryer smooth wind a kilometre-upon-kilometre of butter-flat water!"

Craig Cunningham, North Kiteboarding pro rider

THE LURE

Kalpitiya has a long, narrow pristine sandbar that separates the lagoon from the Indian Ocean in one of the most consistently windy destinations in the word. People are only just now beginning to believe all that they see and hear. Expect daily 20 - 25 knots between May and October and slightly less in the second season from December - a paradise for kitesurfing!

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THE SET-UP

The flat water lagoon is just one-and-a-half metres at its deepest, so is ideal for all levels. You can quickly switch to ocean riding by popping over the sandbar. Launch directly from the De Silva centre who also run transfers to vis-a-vis sandbank for easiest entry and launch.

Kite excursions include the 90 minute boat trip to Paradise Island for insane constant wind and flat water conditions. Go for the day or stay overnight in hammocks. Alternatively take a downwinder from the Kalpitiya lagoon to Dutch Bay in flat water surrounded by mangroves and the array of wildlife at Wilpattu National Park. There’s also a very small lagoon called Kapaldi where you might be able to ride if there is enough space on the day – catch a tuctuc there. Beginners should bring surf shoes as there can be some sharp shells – you can also borrow them from De Silva.

PHOTO / De Silva Windresort

Local fishing boats taking a break / PHOTO – Stan Kiteworld

PHOTO / De Silva Windresort

De Silva Windresort

Kalpitiya Lagoon

Kappalady Lagoon

Puttalam Lagoon

WIND, WEATHER & WATER

Two main seasons: the main summer wind season is May – October with kiting almost everyday in at least 15 knots, regularly 20 - 25 at the height of season in June. Side-onshore winds from the southwest can get up to 35 knots. Cross-shore winter winds from December to March are generally lighter at 12 to 20 knots in the afternoon. Expect more waves and chop in the main wind season. The air temperature throughout the year is a staggering 30°C / 86°F, day and night (factor 50 highly advised!) with the water simmering at 26°C / 79°F.

ACCOMMODATION

The range of accommodation is from the very basic up to the luxurious. Bear in mind it’s best to be near the lagoon, otherwise you’ll need lengthy tuctuc rides. If you’re a beginner look for resorts that offer free boat shuttles.

DE SILVA WIND RESORT

The resort is perfectly settled in between the coconut palm beach, and you will immediately feel at home in their comfortable and family run boarding houses. Choose between several rooms, including a nice terrace with hammocks to relax during your stay. All accommodations are built in a natural style which is very romantic and typical for the region of Kalpitiya.

Accommodation at De Silva Windresort / PHOTOS: De Silva

KITESURFING LANKA

The kitecamp is situated in the fishing village of Kandakuliya in Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka. The property is a coconut estate with a beautiful exotic garden. You'll find 19 bungalows with private bathroom and toilet, one three bedroom villa with two bathrooms, and 13 deluxe tents with a shared bathroom.

The setting is amazing, and the property is surrounded by the lagoon, facing the Indian Ocean. On site you’ll find privacy, tranquility and beauty. All food is homemade and international.

Planet Kitesurf Holidays specialise in luxury tailor‐made kitesurf holidays worldwide. Through its team of highly experienced kitesurf travel professionals, the company offers expert impartial advice, backed up by full ATOL and TTA financial protection. Planet Kitesurf belongs to the Planet Travel group, a market leader in active holidays since 2000.

SCHOOLS

DE SILVA WINDRESORT located right on Kalpitiya lagoon teach all levels all year and have over 20 years instructing experience. Top Ozone kitesurfing equipment available, gear storage,rescue boat, free boatshuttle to vis-a-vis sandbank, chillout terrace, free 4G wifi, restaurant, cabanas and hotel rooms. Lots of other tours and excursions too.

Kite trip to paradise island with De Silva Windresort

KITESURFING LANKA is an outstanding and popular specialist kitesurfing resort. All-inclusive packages offer you a hassle-free holiday, including airport transfers, holiday planning in Sri Lanka, equipment rental, lessons and kite repairs to the finer details, such as customised meal plans, activities for non-kiters, yoga and massage. There’s also advanced kite clinics, specialist kite trips and free use of their SUPs and kayaks.

Planet Kitesurf Holidays specialise in luxury tailor‐made kitesurf holidays worldwide. Through its team of highly experienced kitesurf travel professionals, the company offers expert impartial advice, backed up by full ATOL and TTA financial protection. Planet Kitesurf belongs to the Planet Travel group, a market leader in active holidays since 2000.

NO WIND

Discover the roots of Buddhism and Ayurveda as well as lots of UNESCO world heritage sites. The Wilpattu national park features Leopards and is just two hours away. Recommended trips include the ‘Cultural Triangle’ of Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla. Take a few days to journey to the east coast from Kandy to Ella on one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, through the Ceylon tea highlands. Hit the famous Arugum Bay on the east coast for incredible surf. During the winter dolphins and whales can be seen close to the west coast as they migrate south. Alternatively snorkel the reef, SUP in the mangroves, play volleyball or relax by the pool.

Kandy to Ella train ride / PHOTO – Stan Kiteworld

Ceylon tea mountains / PHOTO – Stan Kiteworld

Ceylon tea picking / PHOTO – Stan Kiteworld

Arugam Bay / PHOTO – Stan Kiteworld

SUPing the flats / PHOTO – De Silva Windresort

GET AROUND

There is no mass tourism and kiting tourism only really developed in the last three years. A very native region, it’s a relaxing escape (but it helps if you kite!). The nearest small village with convenience store etc. is three kilometres away and the nearest big village with pharmacies, banks ATMs and telecom shops is ten kilometres. Take taxis or tuctucs to wherever you need to go. Hiring a car is possible from local companies, but driving is a bit different to what you may be used to!

Kaplitiya main road / PHOTO – De Silva Windresort

Local petrol station / PHOTO – Stan Kiteworld

Paradise red sand roads / PHOTO – Stan Kiteworld

CURRENCY

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) - £1 = LKR200 / €1 = LKR150 / $1 = LKR13

FOOD & DRINK

There are a few very simple restaurants in the villages and only basic shops. People usually eat in the resorts, hotels or kite camps. Be warned that when eating out the food is very hot, especially the curries and Kottus. De Silva offer a full- board package, including BBQ evenings and cooking shows and also have a surfbar where non-guests are welcome too.

Planet Kitesurf Holidays specialise in luxury tailor‐made kitesurf holidays worldwide. Through its team of highly experienced kitesurf travel professionals, the company offers expert impartial advice, backed up by full ATOL and TTA financial protection. Planet Kitesurf belongs to the Planet Travel group, a market leader in active holidays since 2000.